Dual orexin receptor antagonists for insomnia in youth with neurodevelopmental disorders: a case series and review.

Insomnia in Youth with Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Challenging Terrain

Insomnia, a relentless foe that steals sleep and tranquility, can be particularly challenging in children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). These children often face difficulties with traditional sleep interventions due to their developmental and behavioral characteristics. This case series examines the use of a new medication, suvorexant, a dual orexin receptor antagonist (DORA), in children with NDDs who struggle with insomnia.

The authors, like researchers exploring a new desert landscape, describe their experience treating four children with NDDs and insomnia using suvorexant. They found a range of responses, with one patient showing significant improvement in sleep onset and maintenance, while another benefited from suvorexant in combination with another sleep medication. However, two patients experienced little to no improvement with suvorexant therapy.

The researchers acknowledge that further research is needed to establish the safety and efficacy of DORAs in this population and to identify factors that predict a positive response to treatment.

Navigating Insomnia in Children with NDDs: A New Frontier

This case series sheds light on the challenging landscape of insomnia in children with NDDs. While DORAs offer a potential new approach, more research is needed to determine their effectiveness and safety in this unique population.

Dr. Camel's Conclusion

Insomnia is a formidable foe, especially for children with NDDs. This case series offers a glimpse into the potential of DORAs for treating this condition, but further research is needed to navigate this complex terrain effectively.